Northeastern vs. Chapman

[neha90210]

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Hey everyone! So I just received my acceptance for the DPT program at Northeastern University on 3/5. Originally, when applying to pt programs, Northeastern had been my first choice. I really like their program curriculum/setup and also that they offer a early intervention program in pediatrics. However, after joining this forum and being accepted into Chapman, I'm a little confused on which program I should attend. A difference between the two is that Chapman starts in Fall 2015 while Northeastern begins in Spring 2016. Also the tuition for Northeastern is higher than Chapman's, but then that's without factoring in the cost of living. Any opinions/thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[22Applicant22]

Hey everyone! So I just received my acceptance for the DPT program at Northeastern University on 3/5. Originally, when applying to pt programs, Northeastern had been my first choice. I really like their program curriculum/setup and also that they offer a early intervention program in pediatrics. However, after joining this forum and being accepted into Chapman, I'm a little confused on which program I should attend. A difference between the two is that Chapman starts in Fall 2015 while Northeastern begins in Spring 2016. Also the tuition for Northeastern is higher than Chapman's, but then that's without factoring in the cost of living. Any opinions/thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Trying to calculate total cost is always tricky. I applied to both as well, didn't get into Northeastern and turned down my Chapman acceptance. Doing some research and from what I hear Chapman's cost of living is pretty much the highest anywhere. All the reasonable rent was out of the city and the other option is going 6 to a house undergrad style. Since I can't imagine doing that with my best friends, I think I'll pass. It was actually the traffic around Chapman that was the nail in the coffin there. Family in that area says it takes forever to go anywhere... PT students don't get much time out of the classroom and I'd rather not spend them commuting. You probably wouldn't be disappointed with either program. If it were a year difference that would make your decision easier, but one semester is not a big deal if it means going to your top choice.

I'm a little jealous, wish I could have got into Northeastern. I wanted to live there so badly 🙁. Anyway congrats on the acceptances, good luck!

 

[neha90210]

Trying to calculate total cost is always tricky. I applied to both as well, didn't get into Northeastern and turned down my Chapman acceptance. Doing some research and from what I hear Chapman's cost of living is pretty much the highest anywhere. All the reasonable rent was out of the city and the other option is going 6 to a house undergrad style. Since I can't imagine doing that with my best friends, I think I'll pass. It was actually the traffic around Chapman that was the nail in the coffin there. Family in that area says it takes forever to go anywhere... PT students don't get much time out of the classroom and I'd rather not spend them commuting. You probably wouldn't be disappointed with either program. If it were a year difference that would make your decision easier, but one semester is not a big deal if it means going to your top choice.

I'm a little jealous, wish I could have got into Northeastern. I wanted to live there so badly 🙁. Anyway congrats on the acceptances, good luck!

Yeah I would expect California to be expensive and I have heard about the problems with parking and traffic at Chapman. But, I'm not sure if I want to wait a semester also because Northeastern's program is about two trimesters longer. So basically I would finish a year later at NU than Chapman. I already made my deposit to Chapman as I was accepted there earlier. I will eventually figure it out LOL! Anyways, thanks for your help and good luck with pt school!

 

[ktachiba]

I can comment about the area more since I have lived in Irvine my entire life. Compared to LA and San Diego, the traffic in the area around Irvine (Southern Orange County) is MUCH better, especially if you use the 405 freeway. Traffic is usually bad around 4pm-6:30pm (earlier on Fridays for some reason like 3pm-6pm), but it is NOTHING compared to LA traffic. In general, southern Orange County traffic isn't that bad at all. It's when you go north of Tustin that it gets really bad on both the 405 and 5 freeway (ALWAYS USE the 405 if you can!!)

The COL in Irvine and southern OC is pretty damn expensive though. Usually, a 2 bedroom apartment will cost ~$1600, and it isn't very big. But that's life in southern California for you. Usually, the most affordable housing is found in the city of Santa Ana, which is about 20 mins away from Irvine. It's not that bad, but it's not as safe as Irvine.

I have been able to find decent housing on craigslist in the past... ~$600-$800 to rent a room. And you can usually find it in nicer cities than Santa Ana, such as Lake Forest or Mission Viejo. But you are living with strangers, and that can sometimes be a bad thing haha.

 

[ktachiba]

Also, there should be no problems with parking or traffic since the PT building for Chapman is in a remote location in Irvine, and isn't part of the main University.

 

[ktachiba]

I can't imagine the COL being much higher than Boston though

 

[neha90210]

I can't imagine the COL being much higher than Boston though

Yeah in the end the COL for both places is about the same. And I live in Houston, Texas and I am more than use to sitting in traffic lol. I'm looking more into both the programs and right now I think I like Chapman better than NU because they start in the fall rather than the spring. Idk but I'd rather start in the Fall. Also, my main reason for going to NU was their early intervention-pediatric track they offer after their first year of the program. However, as someone mentioned Chapman is near a children's hospital where their may be opportunities to do clinicals there for students that are interested.

 

[TheDarkKnight14]

Am I just having deja vu or has there not been a topic on the same two schools in the last month or so

 

[neha90210]

Am I just having deja vu or has there not been a topic on the same two schools in the last month or so

Haha. You may be thinking about Chapman and UNE lol.

 

[ktachiba]

Lol yeah I just wanted to reassure people that traffic in Irvine is nothing like traffic in LA. As you can probly tell I have a lot of free time right now haha

 

[dcrawford212]

Hey everyone! So I just received my acceptance for the DPT program at Northeastern University on 3/5. Originally, when applying to pt programs, Northeastern had been my first choice. I really like their program curriculum/setup and also that they offer a early intervention program in pediatrics. However, after joining this forum and being accepted into Chapman, I'm a little confused on which program I should attend. A difference between the two is that Chapman starts in Fall 2015 while Northeastern begins in Spring 2016. Also the tuition for Northeastern is higher than Chapman's, but then that's without factoring in the cost of living. Any opinions/thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

I know NEU is considering having Graduate Assistants from the PT school in conjunction with their Strength & Conditioning department.

Did NEU say what date the deposit it due by? ...I'm on the waitlist.